The EU's foreign policy chief, Catherine Ashton, condemned an Israeli decision to continue construction on the site of the former Shepherd Hotel in east Jerusalem. A statement from Ashton's office says that the EU "condemns the recent decision of the Israeli authorities to authorise construction around the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem".

"The international community is making every effort to facilitate the resumption of peace talks. Settlement construction in East Jerusalem is illegal and undermines these efforts." (Roni Sofer)